tephen Curry #4 of the United States strikes a pose as he falls out of bounds after making a basket and drawing a foul against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of Canada (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Stephen Curry is widely regarded as the greatest shooter to ever pick up a basketball.
After leading Team USA to a 98-87 victory over France in the gold-medal game at the Paris Olympics, 16-year NBA veteran CJ Miles believes Curry also belongs in the conversation as one of the greatest players of all time.
“Steph just continues to solidify who is the greatest shooter of all time [and] what’s crazy is as he continues to make that gap even bigger, he places himself in the realm of best players ever,” Miles told RG in an exclusive interview. “I think players see him that way, but the narrative is never that when we talk about him.”
Curry put Team USA on his back down the stretch, hitting four 3s in the final two-and-a-half minutes to seal the victory. Curry, who celebrated with his famed “Night Night” gesture, finished the game with 24 points, eight 3s, five assists, and two steals. Miles described the performance as “wild,” and joked that Curry makes the game look “Stephortless.”
Team USA captured the gold medal after facing some close calls throughout their Olympic run. LeBron James was named MVP of these Olympics, just four months shy of his 40th birthday. He filled the stat sheet against France, totaling 14 points, 10 assists, six rebounds, two steals, and one block.
“As far as LeBron goes, [his longevity] is incredible. I think it just really speaks to the power of his mind,” Miles said. “We as people have a fascination with youth and we get bored with greatness because there is nothing left to figure out. I know I am getting 25, 8 and 8 from him [every game], and that’s not exciting from a fan standpoint; they want entertainment, which is full of unpredictability.
“But the fact that he has stayed great this long, is still having fun, and is still able to step out and dominate in an entertaining way is flat out GOAT activity.”
France put up a strong effort in front of their fans, with Victor Wembanyama leading the way. The 20-year-old phenom finished with 26 points, seven rebounds, and three 3s.
“On Team USA’s side, there were mental mistakes that we don’t see from these guys usually, maybe because of who they are on the floor with, and some guys who they feel allow them to relax — I’m not sure. But mix that with the talent and urgency of France and you leave doors open. France competed.
“I think once Victor becomes who he will inevitably be, the gold is really up for grabs every four years. And not just us talking about it like, ‘Maybe France has a chance.’ It will change to us not really knowing [who will win].…
I think Wemby has the potential to be literally anything [he wants] and be a great. I just hope he doesn’t get caught up in that. Like, don’t get caught up in being something we have never seen before — he’s already accomplished that! Just round out your game and let the seasons show you what you need to do as you move forward.”
France’s Guerschon Yabusele also caught Miles’ eye. The 28-year-old had 20 points and two steals. He had a stint with the Boston Celtics earlier in his career, but has played overseas over the last five years. Miles could see that changing soon.
“Yabusele was phenomenal,” Miles said. “And if he wants to be [back in the league], he will be on an NBA roster soon.”
This marked the first time that James, Curry, and Kevin Durant played together on the international stage. Team USA ended up heavily relying on the veteran trio throughout the Olympics, leading some to question what the future holds for Team USA.
What will the squad look like at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, and who will emerge as the new leaders? Miles isn’t concerned.
“As far as the future, Team USA is in great hands. Ant [Edwards], [Tyrese] Haliburton, [Jayson] Tatum. And the guys on this team playing small roles like [Devin] Booker and Bam [Adebayo] are capable of doing incredible things also,” Miles explained.
“And there are guys who will rise up in the next couple of years who are more than capable of being handed the keys. I myself can’t wait to see Tyrese Maxey go [play in the Olympics].”
For now, Team USA can celebrate their fifth-straight Olympic gold medal, as the star-studded squad overcame some scares and lived up to the hype.
Alex Kennedy is an NBA reporter, editor and podcaster. He has covered the NBA for the last 19 years, writing for ESPN, HoopsHype, USA TODAY Sports, Bleacher Report, and Basketball News among others. As the Chief Content Officer at Basketball News, he built and managed the staff, which consisted of journalists and former NBA players. His Twitter account is featured in NBA 2K each year.
